Bartolotta offers $2,000 refund on 2015 fireworks
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
The City of Elkhorn Municipal Finance and Judicial committee learned Monday night that what was initially perceived as a future discount on future displays by Bartolotta Fireworks Co. was actually intended to be a $2,000 refund on this past year’s foiled fireworks.
As the city has not completed payment for last year’s $10,000 display, the discount would be applied to the final payment, bringing the city’s final payment down from $5,250 to $3,250. In addition, President Jeff Bartolotta offered the city $1,000 of free product in 2016.
Looking to determine what to do for next year’s display, Chairman Scott McClory said Monday as the crew that worked last year’s fireworks is no longer with the company and Bartolotta has given the city a refund, he’s leaning toward giving the company another go around.
“This is the first time that I can remember I’ve ever heard anyone complain about our fireworks display,” he said.
Alderman Michael Kluck said the $1,000 of free product isn’t a sticking point for him, as the representative from J&M Displays, Inc., offered the committee a similar deal, if not more. He said he’s just concerned if it happens again the city is going to look “horrible.”
Mayor Brian Olson said it’s important to note that Bartolotta will “sub out” the job again, a practice common with the company and something others in the region have moved away from the company because of.
Kluck added the representative from J&M Displays, Inc., said he would personally be overseeing the display.
McClory said while it’s seems like a better situation, it doesn’t mean it necessarily will be, however noting he’s about 51-49 on the idea of continuing with Bartolotta.
“And that’s only because everybody once in awhile gets an oops,” he said, noting J&M Displays, Inc., wanted the city to lock in for multiple years.
Kluck suggested asking for a one-year trial with the new company to see what would work.
Alderman Hoss Rehberg, in attendance at Monday’s meeting, suggested as the city has gotten the refund it requested, it might be best to step back and review options for next year’s display, taking time to “really dissect” material provided rather than making a quick decision.
The committee looks to further discuss and review options in future meetings, looking to make a decision in January.
